What are the stages of squamous cell carcinoma?

Like most types of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma can be classified according to stage. The stages, which are given roman numerals from 0 to IV, describe how far the cancer has advanced. Squamous cell carcinoma stages are determined based on the TNM system of characteristics, which includes the tumor (its size, location, and depth), the nearby lymph nodes (whether the cancer has spread to these immune system structures) and metastasis (how far throughout the body the cancer has spread). Based on considerations for each of those characteristics, the cancer can be staged anywhere from 0 to IV. Stage 0 means there's no spread and the tumor is only on the top layer of skin, and stage IV means the cancer has spread to distant organs, lymph nodes, and other tissue.

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A highly curable skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (pronounced SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh) affects the cells that form your skin's outer layer. If you have fair skin, like tanning beds or sunburn easily, you're at risk for developing this common cancer.
Also called epidermoid carcinoma, this non-melanoma skin cancer may develop from the skin condition actinic keratosis (pronounced ak-TIH-nik KAYR-uh-TOH-sis), which gives your skin thick, scaly patches.
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can develop into large tumors and spread to nearby lymph nodes, a direct link to your immune system. However, when caught early, it is very rare for squamous cell carcinoma and its sister skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, to spread. See your doctor immediately if you notice wounds that do not heal or changes in your skin, especially moles.